Guwahati, Aug. 27 -- The Assam Environmental NGO Forum (AENF), a platform of conservation organisations working at the grassroots, has raised objections to the Assam government's proposal to notify a one-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

The controversy follows Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement that the state government plans to approach the Centre for an ESZ of around one kilometre.

The government has argued that the existing 10-km default buffer creates difficulties for infrastructure and development activities in areas surrounding the park.

The state government has also maintained that a uniform 10-km restriction could affect local communities and development ac...